'Man Plans God Laughs' review: Timely statement from Public Enemy

Public Enemy's "Man Plans God Laughs" album. Photo Credit: RCS Music

REVIEW

BOTTOM LINE: No nostalgia here for the Roosevelt group's 30th anniversary, just rhymes as hard-hitting as ever.

The timing couldn't be better for a new Public Enemy album. "Man Plans God Laughs" (RCS Music) arrives at a point where the systems the Roosevelt-based group have been questioning for decades are now being questioned by much of the country.

Public Enemy follows that with "Those Who Know, Know Who" and "Mine Again" -- two tracks that are straight-up current hip-hop, built on great beats and production from Gary G-Wiz.

"Corplantationopoly" shows exactly how the group became Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, with Flavor Flav's lightheartedness balancing the knowledge Professor Griff is dropping, while Chuck D pushes the whole thing forward.

"Man Plans God Laughs" offers nods to Public Enemy's storied past, but shows that the group's eyes remain focused on the future.